06/10/2021
Mom Talk: At the Zoom meeting today, one of our Group Moms said her daughter's Daycare said she cannot have breast milk once she transitions to the toddler area at 1 year old. Has anyone else had this experience? What did you do?
It turns out that breastfeeding toddlers and families have rights in Washington. See the link below and the Washington State Laws that Daycare Facilities must follow to be licensed in this state:
https://www.daycare.com/washington/washington-daycare-family-licensing-requirements.html
WAC 170-296A-7525
Parent or guardian-provided food.
(1) A parent or guardian may provide alternative food for their child if a written food plan is completed and signed by the parent or guardian and the licensee.
(2) A written food plan is not required for infant formula, breast milk or baby food supplied by the child's parent or guardian.
(3) A written food plan may include accommodations for:
(a) The child's medical needs;
(b) Special diets;
(c) Religious or cultural preference; or
(d) Family preference.
(4) The licensee must supplement the food provided by the parent or guardian with foods listed in the USDA CACFP requirements if the food provided by the parent or guardian does not meet the nutritional needs of the child.
WAC 170-296A-7600
Serving milk.
(1) The licensee must serve milk according to the ages of the children in care. The licensee is responsible to serve:
(a) Breast milk or formula to children from birth to twelve months old. The parent or guardian may request breast milk or formula be served to their child after the child turns twelve months of age.
(b) Whole pasteurized milk to children from twelve months through twenty-four months old if the child is ready to be served whole milk.
(c) Pasteurized milk or pasteurized milk product to children over twenty-four months old.
(2) Variations of subsection (1)(a), (b), or (c) of this section require a written statement from the child's health provider.
